In view of the increasing life expectancy and adoption of the western life-styles in the city of Addis Ababa, it was important to document the prevalence of the modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease in the community so that preventive plans can be worked out. This study is a community-based cross-sectional survey which measured the risk factors for coronary heart disease among 15-24 years population in Addis Ababa,
1994. Thirty clusters with 52 subjects in each were
targeted. With the response rate of 92.1%, a toCal of
1, 436 adolescents (851 females and 585 males}, 15-24 years of age participated in the study. Structured questionnaires were administered and selected physical examinations performed using trained and supervised research assistants. Current smokers were 11.8% males and
1.1% females. About 34% of the respondents consume alcoholic beverages regularly, but only 7. 0% of them take 100 grams and over alcohol per week. High fat intake and sedentary life-styles were registered in 4.5% and 8. 4% of the respondents, respectively. About 6. 0% of the females and O. 7% of the males were obese. The prevalence of elevated diastolic blood pressure was 7 .1%. After adjusting for potential confounders, male sex and increasing age were found to be important determinants for current smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. For obesity being female and increasing age were the most; important determinants. Sedentary lifestyle and high fat intake were strongly related to each other. Elevated diastolic blood pressure was strongly associated with obesity. The current prevalence of modifiable risk factors among the young people are not that low and this community based study emphasizes the initiation of primary preventive activities as soon as possible.